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Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.

Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.

Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.

The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.

"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.

"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."

Previous Setbacks

Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.

There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.

The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.

The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.

Backup Options

In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.

Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.

Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."

"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.

"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."

Fixture Details

Australia vs England: The Ashes

From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026